A lovely Baltimore row house was recently featured on the August cover of Chesapeake Home. This modern renovation took place shortly after Howie Bartz purchased his home, with help from interior designer Michelle Miller. Inspired by the interiors of boutique hotels, Howie envisioned a space that would reflect his urban lifestyle.
Located in the historic neighborhood of Federal Hill, the first challenge of the renovation was to open up the row house and give it an airy feel. Adding a dining room off the back of the house, with French doors leading out to the patio, opened up the first floor and drastically improved the transition between rooms. In the living room, the fireplace was given a face lift by adding vertical bamboo planks. The focal point of the room — the open tread staircase — was updated with a warm bronze color and custom ebony-stained wood treads.
In the master bedroom, a black chandelier from a Parisian flea market stands out against an unconventional white brick wall. Exposed brick walls are all the rage in Baltimore, but not usually seen painted a stark white. Meaningful artwork, along with random finds from traveling, adorn the home and help reflect his personal style.

But what had me swooning as I read the article — knowing full well the killer views from this part of town — was the outdoor transformation. A slate patio was added to the walkout garden, along with a fountain and bamboo privacy fence. And, as if that wasn't enough of a reason to crash his next party, he has a double rooftop deck with panoramic views of the harbor and skyline!
(Images: Gordon Beall for Chesapeake Home)
pretty!
view j i's profile
I love the wallpaper in the dining room. It reminds me of shark's teeth.
view aj's profile
I like the spiky candlesticks. But I would loose the ikea fixtures.
view Comicgeek's profile
seriously, there's a great hi/low mix here (those CB2 glass candlesticks are $3.99), but those IKEA "fake Le Klint's" stand out like a sore thumb. Otherwise I really dig it.
view matchjames's profile
The candlesticks, oh they would so be broken in my house:(
view nothinlikeadame's profile
It looks so bright and almost airy inside--quite a feat for a rowhouse!
view slowdown's profile
Those candles are gorgeous, but I think they look strange so close to the ceiling. In a room with very high ceilings, they would be perfect.
view graefix's profile
Beautiful home. Too bad it has ghosts. See second pic.
view stinkypants's profile
@stinkypants - Ghosts are the latest fad in home decorations here in B-more. They're popping up everywhere.
Great place that definitely doesn't have the feel of your typical row home. I'm intrigued by the double rooftop deck.
view Gregorio's profile
This isn't "modern" -- it might be called "contemporary" but "modern" doesn't mean "recent" but rather refers to a specific period and style associated therewith.
view CJL's profile